what would one say are the principle elements of the arts and crafts style?

Hello bronwen,
The principle elements of the Arts and Crafts Movement is when some fellows such as John Ruskins and William Morris got tired of the mass produced fancy furniture and got people to take the craftsmanship out of the manufacturers hands and put it back into the hands of the craftsmen.

Arts and Crafts furniture is meant to be plain and quaint as compared to the Victorian style of furniture.

Should you like to read the History of the Arts and Crafts Movement go to the Defining the Movement and scroll down the different pages where I started writing about the History of the A&C Movement on the 22nd of DEC 04.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

The Movement began as a social one and one of it's objectives was to uplift the mass of people to a better standard of lifestyle by returning humanity to the objects of our daily lives. This was achieved by producing everyday items by hand and to use honesty in the making of these objects. It was felt that mankind could benefit from surrounding itself with objects made in this fashion. The appreciation for that which is handmade is still alive with many.

The majority of what was made did not hide the process used to make it. Handwrought metal was left with the fine facets of the planishing hammer. Furniture joinery was beautifully exposed. The tooling marks of the leather work showed their handwork.

Fred

earthy, simple, hand-crafted, warm, solid, functional, harmonious, natural, durable, timeless, pure